World Language Program

Students in Pre-K 3 & 4 and Kindergarten learn basic communication skills and concepts through the use of thematic units, (colors, shapes, family, and the alphabet). The children learn the target language by singing songs, playing games, dancing, crafts, and total physical response to commands given by the teacher. Each of these developmental areas enhances language and expands their vocabulary.

In Grades 1 through 5, the curriculum is based on the Muy Bien Series, Levels A and B. This curriculum is based on song, repetition, picture cards, felt boards and games. Children learn vocabulary and also expansion of sentence structure. Different types of assessments are used to determine the level of comprehension of the spoken language, word recognition and conversation. Vocabulary and grammatical structures are built on and expanded in Grades 3 through 5 where emphasis is placed on speaking, reading and writing.

Spanish is taught at the middle school level for 45 minutes, three times a week.  The program emphasizes continued acquisition of vocabulary and conversation fluency, as well as proper use of grammar.  The program also seeks to teach and strengthen reading and writing skills, building on the foundation of the elementary grades.  The importance of the Spanish culture is emphasized through the use of integrated technology and the fine arts.  Currently instruction is accomplished through the use of the Muy Bien Series, Level C and D, as well as the use of teacher created materials and commercially available worksheets.

The tone of these classes is having fun with the language, and the goal is to instill a love of learning Mandarin. We are using Easy Step to Chinese. The topics covered are: You and me; Family; Numbers; Greetings, Animals. We are learning in themes through games, songs, storytelling, and crafts. Students will be able to introduce themselves and their families, do simple math in Chinese, write simple Chinese characters. We are also going to exploring Chinese culture through Chinese festivals.

The focus at this level is listening, speaking, and recognizing simple Chinese characters. The topic is about You and I; My Family; Numbers; Food; School Life; Time and Weather; Hobby; Jobs; Transport and Travel. After they finish this level, students will be able to introduce themselves and family, describe their home, talk about food preference, school life, describe the time and weather, describe their hobby and the job of their parents and the job they want to do in the future, they also will be able to ask for direction when they’re traveling. Students are introduced to Hanyu Pinyin. Games, songs, and stories are also used to engage students.

It is the elective class for Grade 7-8. We are more focusing on the culture of China. It’s more project-based learning. And we will explore the Chinese traditional elements, such as Chinese calligraphy, paper cutting, Chinese food, Chinese characters.